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Editor posted on March 13, 2011 22:56
After being denied an opportunity on Saturday to play, Athen Blaine closed out his Wings of Steel career scoring two goals and assisting on one more as the Wings of Steel defeated the Woodbridge Rangers 4-2 in the sled hockey championship game at Iceline in West Chester. The win was the 20th in a row for the Wings and capped off a great season with their second consecutive championship. Blaine scored the lone goal of the first period, with the teams matching lines in a very competitive and entertaining game as the young kids got most of the ice time.
Blaine made it 2-0 midway through the second period as he ripped home a shot from the circle. Later in the period Athen banked a perfect pass off the boards to a flying Mike Wilson and his 6th goal of the playoffs gave the Wings a 3-0 lead. Matt Valentine would score late in the period as the lead grew to 4-0. Two late goals in the third period got the Rangers to within 4-2, but the Wings held on for the victory. Athen clearly played with some extra fire and was by far the best player on the ice.
Also playing in her final game was team captain DJ Hermerka not only the captain but a team leader. DJ led by example, hustling on every play, no matter the score, she will chase you down. Moving onto other things as she tackles college DJ has that leadership quality and will be sorely missed. Also leaving is Glenn Schultz and Ryan Niederkorn, tough to replace a goalie and defenseman, who have meant so much to the team, We wish them continued success.
Written by Mike Costantino